Why Early Access?

“Project Katanga 1989 is being released in Early Access because its core trading, storage, currency, and market systems are already playable, but the game will benefit from player feedback while the deeper economy, balance, interface clarity, and long-term progression systems are expanded.

The game is built around dense information, market timing, and repeated decision-making, so real player behavior is important for tuning readability, pacing, difficulty, and the overall pressure of the simulation.

During Early Access, I also plan to reach out to players for suggestions on custom regional items that can be added to the game, helping the market feel broader, stranger, and more connected to the regions it represents.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The current goal is to leave Early Access around December 2026, depending on player feedback, balance work, and the state of the remaining planned systems.

This timeline may change if the game needs additional tuning or if Early Access feedback leads to meaningful improvements that are worth completing before the full release.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The full version is planned to be a more polished and complete version of the current Early Access build, with improved balance, clearer interface presentation, expanded market content, more refined progression, and additional tuning based on player feedback.

The goal is to keep the core identity of the game intact while making the economy, storage decisions, regional markets, and long-term trading loop feel more complete, readable, and satisfying.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access version currently includes the core market and inventory loop: buying goods, storing them in limited slots, tracking purchase cost and market-adjusted value, switching currencies and measurement modes, and selling inventory back into the market.

The game already has its main VMS-style interface, regional market data, storage overview, wallet handling, market cycle behavior, localization support, and early settings/options. Some systems are still being expanded, balanced, and refined, including long-term progression, additional market content, interface polish, and broader regional item variety.

Players should expect a playable economic simulation with the main trading loop in place, while understanding that balance, content depth, presentation, and supporting systems will continue to improve during Early Access.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“The game is planned to have a lower price during Early Access. As the game receives more content, polish, balance work, and additional systems, the price may increase for the full release.

Any pricing changes will be communicated ahead of time when possible.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“I plan to involve the community by actively asking for feedback during Early Access and using that feedback to improve balance, readability, pacing, optimization, and overall usability.

I am especially interested in hearing how players interact with the market and inventory systems over time. Community feedback will help identify confusing UI elements, rough edges in the economy, and areas where performance or presentation can be improved.

I also plan to ask players for suggestions for custom regional items that can be added to the market, so the game can grow with more variety and stronger regional identity.”